Flush valve device for toilets

ABSTRACT

A pair of laterally spaced float members are supported on the lifting rod or valve stem at an adjusted or preferred elevation above a nonbuoyant and weighted valve member threadedly attached to the lower end of the rod or stem. The lower threaded end of the stem is angled at 7 and the valve member has a threaded recess therein also angled at 7. Owing to the square cross section of the valve stem and a complementally configured guide affixed to the overflow pipe in the toilet tank, the valve member will operate in conjunction with either a flat or slanted valve seat. Smaller seats can also be accommodated by merely selecting an intermediate angular position of the valve member on the valve stem. An indicator pin on the stem and angularly disposed indicia in the form of small bumps enable the user to readily select the proper angular position of the valve member for the particular type of valve seat.

United States Patent [191 Pfeifer 1 FLUSH VALVE DEVICE FOR TOILETS Pius Pfeifer, 1751 100th St., North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada [22] Filed: May 3, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 249,882

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 4/38, 4/34, 4/67 A [51] Int. Cl. E0341 1/22, E03d 1/30 [58] Field of Search. 4/57 R, 57 P, 67 R, 67 A, 37,

Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or FirmStuart R. Peterson [45] lFeh. m 1974 1 TRACT A pair of laterally spaced float members are supported on the lifting rod or valve stem at an adjusted or preferred elevation above a nonbuoyant and weighted valve member threadedly attached to the lower end of the rod or stem. The lower threaded end of the stem is angled at 7% and the valve member has a threaded recess therein also angled at 71?. Owing to the square cross section of the valve stem and a complementally configured guide affixed to the overflow pipe in the toilet tank, the valve member will operate in conjunction with either a flat or slanted valve seat. Smaller seats can also be accommodated by merely selecting an intermediate angular position of the valve member on the valve stem. An indicator pin on the stem and angularly disposed indicia in the form of small bumps enable the user to readily select the proper angular position of the valve member for the particular type of valve seat.

13 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 WATER LEVEL Patented Feb. 12, 1974 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FLUSH VALVE DEVICE FOR TOILETS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to flush valves for toilets and pertains more particularly to a valve designed to fit a variety of toilets.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various attempts have heretofore been made in an effort to perfect flush valve devices for use within the storage tanks of toilets. While most of the valves with which I am acquainted have been generally satisfactory, nonetheless they have all had certain shortcomings. More specifically, some valves have been designed to conserve water when flushing the toilets, but such valves have had other inadequacies. Some have been designed to operate silently, or at least in a quiet manner, but these likewise have not been satisfactory in other respects. Generally, toilet valves have been rather costly. Also, their replacement has not always been easy because of the different types of toilets that are encountered in actual practice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A general object of the invention is to provide a flush valve device for toilets that will be simple and inexpensive, yet highly effective for its intended purpose.

More specifically, an object is to provide a valve device that will conserve flushing water. In this regard, an aim of the invention is to utilize approximately half the water stored in the flush tank or closet. Not only is there a saving of water, but the most effective portion of the flushing period is retained, this being attributable to the greater head or higher column of water contained in the tank which is available during the earlier portion of the flushing interval. Thus, the lower half, say, of the amount of water after the upper half has been utilized is not nearly as effective because there is only the lower half remaining and the pressure resulting from the decreased head is proportionally reduced.

Not only is there a saving of water with a concomitant retention of excellent flushing capabilities, but an aim of the invention is to minimize tank sweating. In this regard, the incoming cold water mixes with the warmer water that has been saved, thereby obviating the sudden temperature change that would otherwise produce the objectionable condensation or sweating as it is commonly termed.

Further, an object of the invention is to provide a quieter flushing action inasmuch as less water is used, and, therefore, there is less noise involved.

Still an additional advantage that derives from the reduced amount of water discharged each time the toilet is flushed resultsfrom the fact that only approximately one-half of the volume of water in the tank is used at of stored water will prevent the overflowing of the toilet'bowl in the event that it becomes plugged. More precisely, my invention allows the device to be adjusted for the correct amount of water to produce a good flush without completely filling the bowl, thereby avoiding any possibility of overflowing.

Another important object of .the invention is to provide a flush valve device that will not be apt to stick in an open position. Various prior art devices have proved to be especially troublesome in this respect. To correct the situation each time it occurs those devices with which I am experienced require the personal attention of the user or that of a maintenance person, people unfamiliar with these matters usually not realizing that the tank cover must be removed and the valve manually closed. Without this personal attention, a considerable loss of water can be experienced, this being especially true in hotels and motels where the occupant either is not concerned with the loss of water or actually checks out of the room without endeavoring to correct the situation. The loss is of even greater importance in hard water areas where the loss necessitates an earlier recharging of the water softener.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a valve device of the foregoing character that will provide a better sealing action against the valve seat. In this regard, it is an aim of the invention to provide a valve that will be pulled down by the outgoing water in that there will be no water beneath the valve yet an appreciable amount of tank water on top of the valve. Actual experience has demonstrated that the vacuum is much stronger or more powerful than the action provided by the floats of my device, and this vacuum is effectively employed to enhance the seating action.

Still another object is to provide a flush valve device that will be especially valuable for replacement purposes in that it will fit various types and makes of toilets, particularly those having different sizes of valve seats. More specifically, an aim of the invention is to provide a device that will fit either flat or slanted seats, as well as seats of different sizes without interference with the overflow pipe.

Still further, an object is to provide a valve device that is self-cleaning, thereby contributing to the efficient operation of the device, particularly with respect to the nonsticking feature that has already been alluded to.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a tiolet tank or closet with a portion of the front wall broken away in order to expose to view my flush valve device;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view corresponding to FIG. 1 but with the valve raised or open;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view taken from the right in the direction of line 3-3 in FIG. 2, the valve being in its raised position as depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 41 is a top plan view of my device;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of my device with the valve seat at the bottom of the tank appearing in section, the section being taken in the drection of line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken in the direction of line 6-6 of FIG. 5 for further illustrating the construction of the guide and the way it is attached to the clamp mounted on the overflow pipe;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken in the direction of line 7-7 of FIG. 5 in order to show with additional clarity the construction of the guide, especially the manner it may be radially adjusted;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken in the direction of line 8-8 of FIG.'4 in. order to 'show the upper surface of the valve member;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view in the direction of line 9-9 of FIG. 8 for the purpose of further detailing the construction of the valve member, the view emphasizing the angular position of the valve member on its valve stem when sealing against a horizontal valve seat;

FIG. is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but picturing the valve member after it has been twisted or rotated through 180, thereby rendering it suitable for a slanted seat having a slope or inclination, and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view in the direction of line 1111 of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In order to appreciate the benefits to be derived from a practicing of my invention, it is not deemed necessary to show a complete toilet. However, the tank or closet, which is of course conventional with toilets, has been designated by the reference numeral 10, having a front wall 12 that is broken away in order to expose to view the interior of the tank. Although concealed by the wall 12, a supply or inlet valve has an operating arm 14 extending therefrom which has mounted thereon a ballfloat 16. It will be understood that when the ball 16 is raised, it acts through the agency of its arm 14 to close the supply or inlet valve to prevent further water from entering the tank 10. Also, a trip handle or lever 18 rocks a trip arm 20.

It is the trip arm 20 that a portion of my device is connected to as will be better understood as the description progresses. Also conventional in the closet or tank 10 is an overflow pipe 22. A valve seat 24 is located at the outlet for the tank 10, there being a drain pipe 26 extending downwardly from the valve seat which leads directly into the toilet bowl (not shown). The foregoing, as is believed evident, has dealt with conventional details and forms no part of my invention.

Referring now to the valve device exemplifying my invention, it will be perceived that the device has been denoted generally by the reference numeral 30. The device 30 includes a split ring clamp 32, suggestively of a suitable plastic, such as that called Delerin which has been used in actual practice, having a metal screw 34. The clamp 32 encircles a portion of the overflow pipe 22 at the proper elevation, the overflow pipe 22 serving as the mounting means for my device 30. As can be best discerned from FIGS. 47, the split ring clamp has a pair of integral fingers 36 projecting therefrom, there being a slot 38 between these fingers. As will be perceived from FIGS. 6 and 7, each finger has a vertical strip 40, a horizontal web 42 and a second vertical strip 44, the strip 44 in each instance being outboard of the strip 40. Thus, there is formed a groove 46 immediately above the web 42 and a groove 48 directly therebeneath.

Passing now to a description of the two-part guide labeled 50, it will be explained that the guide 50 comprises generally similar upper and lower molded plastic members 52a and 52b, the same plastic as used for the clamp 32 again being suitable. Each is formed with a groove 54 which receives therein the vertical strips belonging to the fingers 36. Each member 52a, 52b has a pair of ribs 56 and 58, the ribs 56 and 58 on the upper member 52a depending downwardly into the upper grooves 46 and the ribs 56 and 58 on the lower member 52b extending upwardly into the lower grooves 48 on the fingers 36. Each member 52a and 52b has a vertical passage 60, this passage being square for a purpose later made manifest. v

' At this time, it will be explained that the members 52a, 52b additionally have abutting portions 62 that are closely adjacent the square passages 60. It will also be seen that the upper member 52a has a pair of downwardly projecting portions 640 and the lower member 52b has similar portions 64b which project upwardly. lt is from the lower ends of the upper portions 64a that pins (not shown) extend downwardly into a pair of holes (also not shown) provided in the lower portions 64b.

Although the reason therefore will not be entirely clear at this stage, nonetheless attention is directed to a pair of aligned arcuate notches 67 in the members 52a and 52b, these notches being between the abutting portions 62 and 64. Together, the arcuate notches 67 form a pair of circular openings. Additional notches 68, these being of rectangular appearance, communicate with the passage formed by the notches 67. Briefly, it can be pointed out that the notches 67 and 68 allow water to flow into the region where the square passage 60 is located to wash away any scale that might otherwise collect in this vulnerable region.

The lower member 52b in addition to having the previously mentioned holes therein differs further from the configuration of the member 52a by reason of a pair of downwardly depending guide fingers 70, there being one extending downwardly from each side of the square passage 60 in the lower guide member 52b. The upper member 520 has an untapped hole at 72 and the lower member 52b has a tapped hole 74 which contains a screw 76. The screw 76 loosely extends downwardly through the untapped hole 72 and when tightened simply pulls the two members 52a and 52b closer together, thereby clamping the fingers 36 therebetween. It will be appreciated that the fingers 36 need not extend fully into the grooves 54, and in this way the guide 50 composed of the members 52a and 52b may be tightened at the proper location so as to properly overlie the valve set 24.

Describing now the lift rod or valve stem 80, which likewise may be of the same plastic as the clamp 32, it will be observed that it includes an elongated shank 82 having a transverse hole at 84 in its upper end. A chain 86 has one link connected with the shank 82 by reason of the hole 84 and the link at its upper end connected to the trip arm 20. The lower end labeled 88 of the valve stem is not only threaded but close inspection of FIG. 9 (and FIG. 11) will reveal that it is angled at 7-% with respect to the longitudinal or vertical axis of the shank 82. An indicator pin 90 projects from one side of the valve stem 80 at the juncture of the threaded end 88 with the shank 82.

Attached to the lower end 88 of the lift rod or valve stem 80 is nonbuoyant valve member 92 of an elastomeric or plastic material, preferably of semi-cured polyethylene. The-valve member 92 has a centrally disposed boss 94 formed with a threaded bore or recess 96. Here again, close inspection of FIG. 9 (and FIG. 11) will demonstrate that the bore 96 is angled at approximately 7-% with respect to the vertical axis of the valve member 92.

From FIGS. 8 and 10, it will be noted that there are a number of angularly oriented ribs 98. Although not yet to be fully comprehended, there are rounded bumps 100a, 100b and 1000 on certain of the ribs 98. More specifically, there is one bump 100a which, when aligned with the pin 90, establishes a flat or horizontal relationship of the valve member 92 with respect to the vertical axis of the lift rod or valve stem 80, thereby rendering the valve suitable for a horizontal or flat valve seat. The rib 98 with the two bumps 10012 thereon simply tells the user or installer when a 180 relationship has been established, thereby conditioning the valve92 for use with a slanted valve seat as pictured in FIGS. and 11. The particular rib 98 with two bumps 100b thereon establishes an intermediate position that, while not illustrated, would angularly orient the valve 92 for a relatively small seat where there might otherwise be interference between the valve member 92 and the overflow pipe 22. It is not deemed necessary to actually illustrate this condition, but it should be understood that the versatility of my device 30 takes this situation into account.

Describing further the valve member 92, it will be noted that it includes a cylindrical lip or flange 102 extending around the outer ends of the angularly disposed ribs 98. There is still another lip or cylindrical flange 104 at the periphery of the valve member 92. A Weight in the form of a ring 106 (deliberately omitted from F I68. 8 and 10 to show the boss 94) has an internal diameter just sufficient to assure a press fit when the ring 106 is forced downwardly over the upper end of the boss 94. The reason for weighting the valve member 92 will be explained shortly.

At this time, attention is directed to a U-shaped float supporting unit or yoke denoted generally by the reference numeral 110 and which can be of the same plastic as suggested for the clamp 32, the guide 50, and support stem 80. It includes a central sleeve 112 formed with a radially extending tapped hole at 114 for receiving a set screw 116. The purpose of the set screw 116 is to simply hold or maintain the sleeve H2 at a preferred elevation above the valve member 92. The support 110 additionally comprises a pair of L-shaped arms 118, each arm having a horizontal portion 118a and a vertical or downwardly extending portion 11817.

The supporting unit 110 carries a pair of float members 120a and 12Gb. Preferably, these float members 120a, 12Gb are of foamed polystyrene because of this materials low density and excellent buoyancy. It will be appreciated that the spacing of the float members la, 12012 in a lateral direction assures a better distribution of the buoyant action. Stated somewhat differently, the locating of the float members 120a, 12Gb to either side of the guide 50 not only enables each float member to exert a buoyant force upwardly, but by reason of the L-shaped arms having horizontal portions 118a of equal length, the resulting moment arm is the same at both sides of the guide 50, thereby minimizing any tendency for the lift rod or valve stem 80 to bind or cock against portions of the members 52a and 52b constituting the guide 50.

INSTALLATION While my valve device 30 may very well be used as original equipment, it is contemplated that it will find especial utility as a replacement for conventional valves that do not possess the advantages of my device. Since it is within the purview of my invention to provide a valve device 30 that can be installed in such a ately knows that he is to rotate the valve member 92 on the threaded lower end 88 of the valve stem 99 so that the particular rib 98 having the bump 100a thereon will be brought into radial alignment with the pin 90. On the other hand, if the valve seat is small or has a flapper valve associated therewith, then the user knows that he must rotate the valve member 92 so that the angled rib 98 having the two bumps ltlllb thereon is brought into radial registry with the pin 90. The third possibility involves a toilet with a slanted or inclined seat. In this instance, the installer simply aligns the particular rib 98 having the three bumps ltltlc thereon with the pin 99. This relationship is shown in FIG. 9. The situation involving the two bumps 10012, as already pointed out, has not been illustrated. Usually, the unillustrated situ ation occurs with the smaller type of seat and the rotation or alignment of the two bumps ltlllb with the pin simply provides adequate clearance between the valve member 92 and the proximally located overflow pipe.

Next, if not already done, all previously mounted hardware should be removed from the particular overflow pipe 22. The overflow pipe 2.2 is then in readiness to receive the split ring clamp 32. This clamp 32 can be forced open after backing off the screw 3 1i so as to fit over the upper edge of the overflow pipe 22. It can then be lowered until it is at approximately the correct elevation. The final adjustment can be reserved for later The user then moves the fingers 36 inwardly or outwardly with respect to the two-part guide 50. Such ac tion moves the valve member 92 into vertical alignment with the particular valve seat 24-. Precise alignment is not necessary, particularly due to the selfiseating action that takes place when using my device 39, as will be better understood when considering the operational sequence that occurs.

After performing the foregoing steps, then the U- shaped support or yoke l W is raised or lowered, as cir cumstances dictate, by simply loosening the set screw 1116. It will be understood that this adjustment alters the amount of water that will flow from the tank 19 during a given flush resulting from the operation of the trip handle 19. By flushing the toilet several times, that is operating the trip handle 18 several times, the installer will quickly discover how much water is required to produce the correct flush. The particular make of toilet will influence the amount of water that can be saved by using my valve device 30. Some designs permit half a tank to be saved; others permit only a quarter tank or so to be saved.

At some point in the installation procedure, the user should bend the float arm 14 so as to raise the water level to almost the top of the overflow pipe 22. Actually, one-quarter inch is the preferred distance, this giving the maximum head or column pressure that will result in an optimum flushing operation. Unlike conventional toilets, the proximity of the water level with respect to the top of the overflow pipe 22 does not mean that more water will be used during a flushing operation; it merely means that the efficiency is being improved. This will become clearer from the operational sequence now to be presented.

OPERATION Assuming that the level of the water in the tank lllll has been adjusted so that it is approximately onequarter inch beneath the top of the overflow pipe 22, this water level having been assigned the reference numeral 122, then when the trip handle 18 is actuated, the trip arm 20 swings upwardly or counterclockwise as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2 (to the phantom position shown in FIG. 2). Such action, through the agency of the flexible chain 86, simply raises or lifts the valve stem 80. The upward travel of the valve stem 80 is limited by reason of the weight ring 106 striking the lower ends of the two guide fingers 70 which are integral with the lower guide member 52b. Owing to the fact that the two-part guide 50 is affixed to the split ring clamp 32 which is in turn anchored to the overflow pipe 22, the upward travel is arrested. It is important to understand that this condition results, for it is instrumental in minimizing the flow of water that is discharged while the valve member 92 is open.

The buoyancy of the two float members 120a, 120b is deliberately selected and incorporated into the design of my device 30 so as to balance the weight of the valve 92 plus its ring 106. The balancing action does not have to be precise. Actually, the buoyant action can dominate the gravity action attributable to the weight of the valve member 92 and its superimposed weight ring 106. The important factor to keep in mind is that as the water level 122 falls, the valve member 92, together with the support or yoke 110 and its floats 120a and 120b, also falls downwardly from the position depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the position appearing in FIG. 1.

Toward the lower end of the travel, the rush or turbulent action of the water escaping between the seat 24 and valve member 92 literally sucks the valve member downwardly. It will be remembered that the upper side of the valve member 92 is concave, and the cylindrical lips or flanges 102, 104 plus the pockets between the angularly disposed ribs 98 form a cup-shaped surface that compels the valve member 92 to be forcibly moved downwardly with the rapid flow of water. It will be appreciated, it is believed, that the water flow becomes quite turbulent as the valve member 92 moves into a closer and closer relationship with the valve seat 24. The foregoing action or movement, accordingly, results in the valve member 92 being seated tightly against the valve seat 24, there being an appreciable vacuum, after complete closure, on the underside of the valve member 92 assisted by a half tank or so of water on top of the valve member 92. When the tank is completely refilled, then the full head is applied to the valve member 92, further contributing to its sealing action. It is only when the vacuum is broken by the operation of the trip handle 18 that the sealing action is disturbed, this being when a flushing operation is desired and thus not detrimental in any sense of the word.

Due to the fact that the entire amount of water in the tank 10 is not used, the amount that is permitted to be discharged for a single flush can be in accordance with the amount or capacity of water that can be accommodated in the bowl. While the bowl has not been depicted, it will be understood that the bowl can receive a considerable amount of water before the water reaches the upper edge thereof to cause an overflow,

although the bowl cannot usually accommodate an enbowl can be limited so as not to cause overflowing of the bowl. Also as already pointed out, the conservation of water made possible when practicing the teachings of the present invention provides a quieter flushing action because less water is used plus the fact that tank sweating is reduced because all of the water is not discharged from the tank 10. The incoming cold water mixes with the residual water that, if not at room temperature, is at least closer to ambient temperature than the incoming cold water. Consequently, a radical temperature change is avoided with considerably less condensation.

I claim:

1. A flush valve device for toilets comprising an elongated valve stem, a nonbuoyant valve member attached to the lower end of said stem, said valve member being concavo-convex with the concave side facing upwardly, float means, support means for holding said float means at a location above said valve member, means for adjusting the height of said support means on said stern so as to determine the location of said float means with respect to said valve member, and guide means for attachment to the overflow pipe of the water closet in which the device is to be installed, said guide means having a noncircular passage extending vertically therethrough and said valve stem having a noncircular cross section corresponding to that of said noncircular passage so that rotation of said valve stem is prevented.

2. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which the lower end of said valve stem is threaded and the concave side of .said valve member has an internally threaded boss for receiving said threaded end to attach said valve member to said valve stem.

3. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 2 in which said threaded end extends downwardly at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.

4. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 3 in which said boss recess extends at an acute angle with respect to a vertical axis through said valve member so that the angular positionof said valve member on the threaded end of said shank determines the angle of said valve member with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.

5. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 4 in which said passage through said guide means has a square configuration and the cross section of said stem is also square, said valve stem having an indicating pin extending from one side thereof whereby a selected rib can be angularly aligned with said pin to indicate the degree of angularity of said valve member relative said stem.

6. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 5 in which certain of said ribs have marks thereon so as to denote the proper degree of angularity of said valve member with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.

7. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which said support means is U-shaped to provide arms extending laterally in opposite directions and said guide means extends at right angles to the direction in which said arms extend to thereby obviate any interference between said guide means and said float members.

8. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which said guide means includes upper and lower members having vertically aligned square openings to form said vertical passage, and said upper and lower members are formed with notches which form additional openings communicating with said vertical passage to wash away scale that might otherwise collect within said passage and on said 'valve stem.

9. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 8 in cluding a pair of downwardly projecting guide fingers on said lower member.

10. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 8 including a clamp having a pair of horizontal fingers, said upper and lower members each having a groove which together form a passage for receiving said hori zontal fingers therein.

11. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 10 in which said horizontal fingers have a vertical slot therebetween and said upper and lower members form a horizontal slot, and a screw extending downwardly through said upper member, and through said vertical slot into threaded engagement with said lower member for tightening said upper and lower members against said horizontal fingers to hold said upper and lower members in a preferred position.

12. A flush valve device for toilets comprising an elongated valve stem, a nonbuoyant, concavo-convex valve member attached to the lower end of said stem with the concave side thereof facing upwardly, float means, support means for holding said float means at a location above said valve member, means for adjusting the height of said support means on said stem so as to determine the location of said. float means with respect to said valve member, said valve member being of plastic material, a weight member carried on said valve member, said valve member being formed with radially directed ribs on its concave side and including an upstanding cylindrical lip extending around the free ends of said ribs, and a second upstanding cylindrical lip extending circumferentially around the outer periphery of said valve member.

13. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 12 in which said valve member is polyethylene.

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1. A flush valve device for toilets comprising an elongated valve stem, a nonbuoyant valve member attached to the lower end of said stem, said valve member being concavo-convex with the concave side facing upwardly, float means, support means for holding said float means at a location above said valve member, means for adjusting the height of said support means on said stem so as to determine the location of said float means with respect to said valve member, and guide means for attachment to the overflow pipe of the water closet in which the device is to be installed, said guide means having a noncircular passage extending vertically therethrough and said valve stem having a noncircular cross section corresponding to that of said noncircular passage so that rotation of said valve stem is prevented.
 2. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which the lower end of said valve stem is threaded and the concave side of said valve member has an internally threaded boss for receiving said threaded end to attach said valve member to said valve stem.
 3. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 2 in which said threaded end extends downwardly at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.
 4. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 3 in which said boss recess extends at an acute angle with respect to a vertical axis through said valve member so that the angular posiTion of said valve member on the threaded end of said shank determines the angle of said valve member with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.
 5. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 4 in which said passage through said guide means has a square configuration and the cross section of said stem is also square, said valve stem having an indicating pin extending from one side thereof whereby a selected rib can be angularly aligned with said pin to indicate the degree of angularity of said valve member relative said stem.
 6. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 5 in which certain of said ribs have marks thereon so as to denote the proper degree of angularity of said valve member with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stem.
 7. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which said support means is U-shaped to provide arms extending laterally in opposite directions and said guide means extends at right angles to the direction in which said arms extend to thereby obviate any interference between said guide means and said float members.
 8. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 1 in which said guide means includes upper and lower members having vertically aligned square openings to form said vertical passage, and said upper and lower members are formed with notches which form additional openings communicating with said vertical passage to wash away scale that might otherwise collect within said passage and on said valve stem.
 9. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 8 including a pair of downwardly projecting guide fingers on said lower member.
 10. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 8 including a clamp having a pair of horizontal fingers, said upper and lower members each having a groove which together form a passage for receiving said horizontal fingers therein.
 11. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 10 in which said horizontal fingers have a vertical slot therebetween and said upper and lower members form a horizontal slot, and a screw extending downwardly through said upper member, and through said vertical slot into threaded engagement with said lower member for tightening said upper and lower members against said horizontal fingers to hold said upper and lower members in a preferred position.
 12. A flush valve device for toilets comprising an elongated valve stem, a nonbuoyant, concavo-convex valve member attached to the lower end of said stem with the concave side thereof facing upwardly, float means, support means for holding said float means at a location above said valve member, means for adjusting the height of said support means on said stem so as to determine the location of said float means with respect to said valve member, said valve member being of plastic material, a weight member carried on said valve member, said valve member being formed with radially directed ribs on its concave side and including an upstanding cylindrical lip extending around the free ends of said ribs, and a second upstanding cylindrical lip extending circumferentially around the outer periphery of said valve member.
 13. A flush valve device in accordance with claim 12 in which said valve member is polyethylene. 